Although for some reasons, there has been no announcement so far as I know, PCLinuxOS 2009 had been released. The timestamp of the ISO was March 9th, and after downloading it and making certain that the md5sum checks out, I ran it on VirtualBox. I guess it's time for first impressions. The release features the Linux kernel 2.6.26.8, KDE 3.5.10, OpenOffice.org 3.0, Firefox 3.0.7, Thunderbird 2.0.0.14, KTorrent, Frostwire, Amarok, Flash, Java JRE, Compiz-Fusion 3D, and many more.
PCLinuxOS 2009 IS the easiest Linux distribution to use. The installable LiveCD only prompted to choose a keyboard layout and it's the login screen. Everything that a normal computer user would ever need to use is right there packed in its 696.2 Megabytes of the latest and greatest applications from the world of FOSS and GNU/Linux.
Once on the desktop, the all-familiar layout to any long-time PCLinuxOS user is without a question the most sensible arrangement. I was even instantly connected to the Internet without the need to configure the network. Sure, it was running as a guest on VirtualBox but I am betting that the simplicity of PCLinuxOS would be appealing to even a hardcore Windows user and a veteran Linux user.
However, the most obvious question to be asked is, why didn't PCLinuxOS use KDE4. For us insiders and PCLinuxOS community members, we know why and we understand and we won't mind staying with the last release of KDE 3.5. We'll get there eventually but for now, we'll enjoy the stability of KDE 3.5.10.
The following screenshots are proof of how Radically Simple PCLinuxOS 2009 truly is:
Thanks to
Texstar and the Ripper Gang for their love and dedication. We can only be behind you on this. Lead on ...
BIG FLASH! PCLinuxOS 2009.1 replaced PCLinuxOS 2009 as a minor bug fix release.
the default colors are horrible! the task bar at the bottom has a different hue/gradient than the window borders. and the logo is far too busy--too many shadows, outlines, colors, font styles, etc. really looks like something from the 90's.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that PCLOS is acclaimed for its "beauty", but I'm not seeing it--at least not in this release.
Am I alone here?
Hey I like it!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it is just the final. I know Tex has been looking at the iso and making some arangements. I think we will see the release anouncement in a few days, with a different iso(meaning not exactly this one).
ReplyDeleteTo Adam B. There are always critics. If you don't like what they have done you are always free to change it.
ReplyDeleteMy take was that 2009.1 was to make ntfs on at boot, that really isn't a MAJOR bug fix by any streach of the imagination.
I downloaded it and have been putting it through the paces without any major problems.
Adam, I didn't pick the final graphics in 2009. In fact there was a big fight about it. I suspect it will be changed to something more pleasing in a later release.
ReplyDeleteTex
Tex, I have nothing but respect for your work. I hope you guys can clean up the look a bit, because screenshots often make the difference between someone trying out the distro or moving on to something else. Not fair, but often true.
ReplyDeleteAdam that is so true.
ReplyDeleteI don't care what it looks like! It works!! I'm running a cheep and nasty Cleveo laptop with VIA chipset. PCLOS has detected and configured OpenChrome out of the box. In fact all the hardware has been detected and is working. The "Look" can be changed, it's still better than Brown!
ReplyDeletePCLOS is just GREAT. Way better than any distro i have ever used. Lightier than Ubuntu, faster than Mandriva. You guys at Texstar deserve all the KUDOS.
ReplyDeleteI am another satisfied and pleased user os your distro.
Keep up the good work.